Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, 9/22

Verse:
For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:14

Update:
-Kelli shared that Francie said that the Tribe Issachar season of prayer went really well! She said the Tribe Issachar interns all had on their hearts to pray for more of the love of the Lord and for unity in our city. It was said that this was one of the most encouraging and joyful seasons of prayer. Thanks to EVERYONE who signed up during this time. Don't forget that the prayer room is open during office hours and is a great (non-intimidating) place to go spend some intentional time with the Lord at!

Prayer Requests:
Gloria's mission trip to Honduras
Mike & Olga-Discernment
John & Cindy in California

What happened:
Caren led prayer tonight, and led the group in a discussion about our passions and what we feel called to in Athens.

"What is your calling" can be an intimidating question. However, it is not meant to be that way! Being asked "what is your calling" does not always mean that you're being asked what is your ultimate life calling. Rather, is is good to ponder what is your calling for THIS season, for THIS time. A "subset" of your life calling, if you will. Further removing the intimidation, what you are called to in different seasons of life is often times directly linked to that which you are passionate about, and where you currently are. Often times it is easy to believe that our callings are something that will not be enjoyable and that we have to suffer through--that is simply not true. The Lord wants us to enjoy life, experience it abundantly, and live it authentically. What we enjoy doing, how we love serving, and what we get fired up about to pray for are all indicators of what our calling is, because those things are planted in our hearts by the Lord when He created us.

For example, Caren shared that one of her callings/passions is to pray for cancer. After going through some discouraging seasons, she still chooses to hold to that passion of her heart, and still pursue praying for healing. She is now employed at the American Cancer Society, and believes that she is in that position to continue to contend for healing of cancer. A beautiful example of Caren living out one of her passions (and you can have more than one!).

We are all here in Athens for a reason (the Lord IS really purposeful). And we are all part of this body. The body is not made up of 30 ears or 30 elbows--there are a lot of unique parts in a human body with specific functions; likewise, WE are all unique and have specific purposes in this body in Athens. We all have different talents, giftings, and passions. And that is GOOD. As we live authentically unto ourselves, and don't try to be someone who we are not, we'll be fulfilling our calling in this city. As you learn to be who you are, and live in that, you ARE bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to Athens.

Some good question prompts as you ponder this:
Where am I currently?

Who do I interact with?

What do I enjoy doing?
What am I talented in?
What do I get fired up about praying for?
What direction does my heart get pulled to in Athens?

Devotional from Bill Johnson

The one revelation that is about to change everything is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul declared as much when he said that there was something we would come to know by revelation (Ephesians 1:17) that would bring us into the fullness of Christ, saying "until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) Notice that coming into maturity is the result of gaining the knowledge of the Son of God. This revelation will completely change the church as we know it today, because as we see Him we become like Him. This will enable us to accurately re-present Jesus.

Jesus Christ is perfect theology. He is the "exact representation of His nature," (Hebrews 1:3) the ultimate portrayal of the Father. Questions that exist about God's nature in the Old Testament were clarified in the New Testament. When I teach on God's absolute desire and provision to heal, I am asked, "what about Job?? I respond, "I'm not a disciple of Job, I'm a disciple of Jesus." Job's life helped create the awareness for the need of a savior. Job is the question. Jesus is the answer. If our study of Job (and other Old Testament issues) doesn't lead us to Jesus as the answer, it reveals we never really understood the question. The types and symbols of the Old Testament do not override the clear manifestation of God through Jesus in the New Testament. Any understanding we have about the nature of God that can't be seen in the person of Jesus, must be questioned.

(Excerpt from the book, Dreaming With GodChapter 8, Destiny Image Publishers.)

Prayer Summary, Wednesday September 15

Wednesday, September 15 Prayer Summary

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6: 6-10

I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in Heaven.

Matthew 16:18-19

Prayer Requests:
Katherine Arnold Wolf is having surgery on Friday; Encouragement, strength and HEALING over her!
Christina-job
Gloria-mission trip to Honduras!

Testimony!
JR has TWO job interviews in Costa Rica!

What happened:
Tonight at prayer (at the pond!), we thought, discussed, and prayed about what it is to partner with God in the supernatural here on earth, here in Athens. God hungers for our prayers, though we knows what we're going to pray before we pray it. We tend to put so many boundaries around ourselves--that we can't do things, that things can't be redeemed...those are "flat not true" (John's phrase). The Lord asks of us to have an open, willing heart to Him, and He'll do the rest.

For hundreds of years the church as been doing things the church can do without God, and consequently getting glory for itself. When God is the only one who can do it He will get His glory. We just HAVE to be open to how the Lord will work. He wants us to partner with Him, to join with Him. We just have to be open to how the Lord will work.

This song was running through my mind when we were praying tonight,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o17x8KVXj8&feature=related

Lord, YOUR will be done, in us, in Athens, as it is in Heaven.

Please post comments and testimonies!

Season of Prayer at Tribe Issachar!

It is time for a season of prayer at Tribe Issachar!

Hi everybody! We are having a season of prayer next week. Our focus in

prayer is simply that the church in Athens would be established in the

love of Christ. We’re asking that “together with all the saints” we

would know His love and be filled with His fullness like Paul prayed

in Ephesians 3:18-19. This actually advances the Kingdom!

We will be kicking off on Thurs. Sep. 16th at 10 PM with a small

worship and prayer gathering. Anybody is welcome to join us! Then, we

will continue passing the baton of prayer until Sunday Sep. 19th at

midnight.

Also, Saturday will be a home game, but that doesn’t mean we’re going

to stop praying. In fact, we feel that it will be a really strategic

time. Even if you don’t sign up, please feel free to come and join us

in the prayer room throughout the day on Saturday to magnify the Name

of Jesus!

Final details:

- Sign up for time slots and get directions at tribeissachar.com

- Girls, please don’t come alone at night!

- If you could possible doorkeep one of the nights, please contact Francie Scott.

- Enjoy our updated website!

And here are a few pictures from the prayer room...

Sign-up at www.tribeissachar.com !

The Gathering!

Click on an image to make it larger!

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, September 8

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

Announcements...

• Season of prayer coming up from Tribe Issachar! Stay tuned for more info.
• Prophetic worship conference coming soon!

Prayer Requests:

• HEALTH and REST over Iain and Norma's family in Scotland

Answered Prayer!!!!

Per the latest in Scotland, Jack's impetago was so improved this morning that the doctors thought they might have mis-diagnosed!! Thanks be to God for moving on this little one to heal his body!!!!!!!!!!!

• Julie T.-restoration and health
• Julie's son Michael
• The gathering on Friday--UNITY!
• Revival in our city

What Happened...

Tonight after Kelli shared a prophetic worship song from Psalms 92 & 93, we were blessed to have Iain Allen continue to teach on the prophetic. Iain prepared an incredibly helpful handout which was distributed on Sunday and Wednesday night; if you need a copy contact John to get one. The beginning of this summary are things that Iain covered on Sunday night.

Prophecy is one of the gifts of the Spirit that is listed in 1 Corinthians 12. Simply put, the gift of prophecy is when the Spirit of God moves upon a person with a specific purpose.
We can ALL prophesy. It comes with our inheritance as children of God--we CAN ALL hear our Father's voice.
There is tremendous value in hearing the immediate word of the Lord, in addition to His precious word (the Bible).
Prophecy MUST be tested. One fool-proof test is that ALL prophecy MUST be in line with scripture. If a word is given that does not line up with scripture, then let it go immediately.
But what if I get a word of prophecy wrong? "Don't toss the baby out with the bath-water." or, don't quench the Spirit! The answer to doing something wrong is not to correct it with a wrong or to walk away from it, but rather to do it correctly. Wrong prophecies are usually not given deliberately. It is important to consistently put yourself in the position of waiting to hear from the Lord.
• In sharing words of prophecy, it is vital to be in submission to authority.
Prophecy can be tested by the content of the message (it should be in line with scripture and should be in line with the moving of God in the Fellowship and confirmed by leadership), the person who shares it, and the accuracy of the prophecy.
Prophecy needs to be tested with sincerity, love, and a gracious heart.
IMPORTANT! Today's immature prophet can become tomorrow's mighty man or woman of God. Prophecy, like ANY other gift, is one that you have to learn and grow in. Like any other, mistakes can happen, but you can still grow in it.
A few final words...all personal prophecy is dependent on our obedience to the Lord. God speaks to us differently, and moves through the personality of the individual person. We also receive differently as well. Some hear audibly, some have visions, others have dreams...we're unique. It's good that we're unique. And creator-God speaks to us in the way that we receive. He is so good to us.

After Iain finished sharing we prayed for the afore mentioned prayer topics, and Travis (from the Awakening!) shared a few words that he heard during the evening, including that Jesus is going to be revealed through unity.

PLEASE comment on this post with any testimonies that you'd like to share!

John G. Elliott Devotional

Devotional from John G. Elliott

A Great Vault

“The prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (NASB) “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (NIV) (James 5:16)

I have imagined beginning my day positioned in front of a great vault. Its doors are wide open and inside are acres and acres of every imaginable kind of wealth. It is the Bank of Heaven and the currency is Grace. The riches of the glory of God are made available to me in their fullness.

As I observe the auspicious dimensions of this fortune, I am stunned to realize that I have been chosen to administrate these resources. My privileged position allows me to distribute these assets across the extensive panorama of the earth itself. There are no geographic boundaries. There are no sociological or class distinctions. I am able to penetrate the darkest and most repulsive prison cell in a remote village. I freely enter the office and cabinet chambers of the rulers of governments. I am able to wield influence in classrooms and businesses; dives and castles; shacks and mansions; theaters and concert halls.

The implement of such authority: prayer. This vintage instrument of power is perhaps the least appreciated, least accessed and most undervalued tool of influence in the world today. We are told numerous times by the Master Himself of its mountain-moving capability. One of His apostles said it could accomplish much and was powerful and effective. It is the divinely ordained mechanism for dispensing blessing, wisdom, comfort, help, encouragement, provision and a wide range of other advantages.

When I pray in accordance with God’s purposes (I John 5:14) I can touch the suffering, persecuted messenger of the gospel in a dark jungle prison in North Korea with fresh encouragement, comfort, hope and provision AND have every confidence that heaven is gladly executing the fulfillment. I can set the wheels of positive change into motion in a person’s mind and heart that needs the transforming power of the truth. I can frustrate the plans of evil men and even bring confusion into demonic ranks by the faithful exercise of this privilege.

Yes, you and I daily stand at the vault of the Bank of Heaven and have the ability to make regular withdrawals. After all, am I not seated with Christ---the Bank’s CEO--- in His office in the heavenly realms? (See Ephesians 1) Has He not encouraged me to make regular withdrawals and learn to be persistent at it?

This is the only banking institution in the universe that pays healthy dividends upon withdrawals!!! Another amazing feature is that it is a truly equal opportunity lender. Every disciple of the kingdom has full access.

However, it has been duly observed that those who make the most withdrawals appear to be in the highest standing with the Bank and thus place themselves in a position to take advantage of the wider range of the Bank’s services. So what keeps me, at this very moment, from keeping my account active and being a source of blessing?

Ladies Friday Morning Breakfast at Momma's Boy!

Ladies...

Like sweet fellowship?

Like good food?

Then you should DEFINITELY come have breakfast at Momma's Boy at 9:00 a.m. on Friday mornings!

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, 9/1

Wednesday, September 1 Prayer Summary

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
Psalm 97:1-3

What happened...

Tonight was a very still night at Wednesday night prayer; a night of receiving and soaking in truth and the Lords presence. John began by spending some time sharing from Psalm 97. It is ABSOLUTELY essential that we let God reign in our lives. We must slow down, and give him the position of authority in our lives. Mountains bow before Him, and the earth rejoices in His sovereignty. He also should have a place of authority in our lives. We have to slow down, and dwell with Him. Often when we hear of idols we think of little statues, or easily identifiable false gods. However, idols take other forms--distractions, times, money--whatever takes our eyes off of the Lord. We must cast down those things that vie for our affection and devotion.

Many have felt that attacks of doubt are coming against our body. When doubt, or any other foe (attack) comes against us, we can stand triumphantly in the knowledge that our foes are God's foes, and his foe's are utterly consumed. He fights for us!

After John finished sharing, we spent time being quiet in front of the Lord, and resting in His presence. It was a personal time, and some people shared what they had heard...

• God is THE God of the impossible. What man cannot do He CAN do, and even more, He is GLAD to do.
• We have to choose an attitude of love, and work towards loving well. Choosing to love is an intentional choice that we have to make, and one that is so worth it. Choosing to love means we choose to bless instead of curse; that we choose to do the unexpected thing rather than what is "deserved" when we're offended. We'll be known as Christians by our love.
• We must also be intentional about pursuing unity in our city. Unity will not come about unless we choose to be intent on going after it. We can't go after it if we hold back to ourselves, and if we are jealous of others. Someone shared a word about the Lord would walk through our walls like He did in the upper room--walls that we know of and walls that we don't.

This week you are so encouraged to find that intentional time with the Lord. Amazingly, He loves it more than we do--He LOVES spending time with you. Rest in His goodness and truth, and that He is for you.

If you have a testimony from the past week please share it as a comment on the blog to encourage one another with!